They did not wait for Marcus Hale to give the next order or let his men settle into a tighter ring. Elias spoke one short clear word and the whole group moved forward together. They kept their formation tight like a wedge that could not be split or wrapped around. Cole stayed near the center knowing every foot closer to the busy main road made it harder for the Black Ring to control the fight.
“Shoulder to shoulder,” Elias called out as they stepped off the curb. “No gaps no sudden moves. If they push we push back twice as hard right from the center.”
Elara moved on the right side right beside Gideon. She watched every shift in the line ahead. She knew exactly where they would try to jam or fold the formation. She spoke quick quiet warnings that only their own group could hear. “Left sid
